<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is one step away from extending its contract with Waste Management of Louisiana LLC for garbage collection in the unincorporated areas of Wards 2-8. Members of the Public Works Committee on Thursday recommended the contract be renewed for another five years, starting in January. The full Police Jury will take final action on the contract at its Aug. 4 regular meeting.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The base rate in the existing contract is $15.84 per household per month. If the contract is renewed, the rate would be reduced to $15.37.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Ward 1 residents will have the same base rate of $15.37. Waste Management and Progressive Waste Solutions share garbage collection in Ward 1.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Beverly Gilchrist, district manager for Waste Management, said the company agreed to lower the rate. “We’ve certainly enjoyed providing our service to Calcasieu Parish,” she said.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Several police jurors commended Waste Management for the quality of service they provide residents. “They don’t leave anything behind,” said District 11 Police Juror Sandra Treme. “I don’t get any complaints.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">The Police Jury last renewed its contract with Waste Management in July 2011, choosing them over New Orleans-based SDT Waste &amp; Debris Services. The parish’s contract with Waste Management dates back to 1993, said Bryan Beam, parish administrator.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Members of the Police Jury’s Agenda Committee recommended Kyle Link be appointed to the parish zoning board. If the full panel approves, Link will take over the seat formerly held by David Conner. Conner, 56, died in January of leukemia.</span>

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